Facing Obstacles with Creativity and Humor

Grades: 
6, 7, 8

Learners reflect on universal obstacles to persevering and write creative "one-liners" to help them face obstacles with creativity, determination, and humor.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute Class Period
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • write creative responses that will help them overcome obstacles in the future and persevere to complete tasks.
Materials 

Obstacles to perseverance from Lesson Two written one to each paper and posted around the room

Instructions

Print
  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Describe a major road construction project that involves finding a way past a large mountain that is an obstacle between two cities. Ask them what are some ways to get past the mountain (build over, build around, or tunnel under). Remind them that they learned that teamwork (support) and having a plan are two strategies that aid in building perseverance. Discuss how teamwork and having a plan could be effective strategies for the road construction company.

  2. Point out the charts with an obstacle on each that are placed around the room.

  3. Say, "Obstacles can be overcome by having a plan and teamwork, but having a good attitude about persevering is also important. Today you are going to explore the role of humor and creativity in persevering. Since it is sometimes difficult to be objective when we are faced with a real obstacle, you will brainstorm ways to respond to universal obstacles right now when we're not in a stressful situation."

  4. Ask the learners to focus in on one or two of the obstacles posted on charts from the previous lesson that seems most applicable to them. Tell them to brainstorm a "one-liner" response to the obstacle. (They may work as individuals or in pairs.) Encourage them to think creatively and to use humor. (Example of obstacle: I don't have the information I need. One-liner: "Make Google your friend.") 

  5. Invite the learners to walk around the room and write their one-liner responses on at least two of the charts. As they walk around, they may brainstorm and revise their responses by working as a team.

  6. After a few minutes, ask for volunteers to read the solutions on each chart. Leave the charts up to read over the next several days.